I think that we’re just a fun group of women that like to get together and ride our bikes. We try to offer something for everyone— people who are beginners, people who are trying to get some fitness back, from people who are out for a social ride to those that want to actually train. There’s a ride group for everyone on each of our nights,” says Joy Postma, 2024 President of the Sunflowers Cycling Club (SCC).
It’s a formula that has worked successfully for 20-plus years, and continues to attract a broad demographic of Niagara women and girls for a variety of reasons. The club currently has 110 members, from an 11-year-old “seed” to a 60-something woman who mountain bikes, to a 70-plus road rider —an incredibly diverse group sharing their love of cycling.
The Sunflowers Cycling Club does indeed offer something for everyone: regularly scheduled weekly mountain bike and road rides for various ability levels, a weekly skills program for seeds (girls age 11 to 14), and various out-of-town excursions.
Postma feels that the female-only aspect of the club definitely provides a different vibe for members than other clubs. She mentions that when some women start riding with their husbands or mixed groups that are more experienced, distance, pace and terrain pressures can arise.
“We try to keep it fun and no pressure, no drama, enjoyable for everyone,” she says. “If you’re having a rough day, we’re a safe place to come and be stress-free. We have a low-key, super-friendly vibe.” She adds that the club has a strict “no drop” policy on every ride—no one will be left behind.
The club schedules at least three rides per week from May to September, including Tuesday and Thursday evening mountain bike rides and Monday evening road rides. Each ride may offer up to four different skill levels within the group to ensure there’s an option suitable for everyone. Ride categories and the sub-groupings within are explained clearly on the SCC website’s “Ride Guide” page.
If you’re having a rough day, we’re a safe place to come and be stress-free
For example, under the trail ride section, riders are asked to first evaluate their fitness, skill and desire (to ride fast or challenge themselves). They are then offered four detailed levels, each of which has an explanation about who the level is aimed at, how much of the ride will be dedicated to skill development, how long the ride will continue between breaks, what type of terrain will be encountered, how long by time and distance the ride will be, and similar details. Riders can choose from recreational level one or two, or sport level one or two. The Sunflowers work hard to make sure all members find a compatible riding group.
To keep it interesting and take advantage of Niagara’s excellent on and off road trail networks, ride start locations change each month. Trail rides regularly include Short Hills Provincial Park, the 12 Mile Creek trail system, and Brock University. Road routes vary between Pelham, Lincoln, St Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The Sunflower Seeds program is a skills-based introduction to mountain biking held every Tuesday from 6 – 8 pm for girls age 11 – 14. It’s a non-competitive program focused on safe riding, practicing skills, appreciating being out in nature, fun and camaraderie. A knobby-tired bike in good working order and a properly fitting helmet are all that’s necessary to get started. At the other end of the skill level, experienced and mature seeds with satisfactory ability are welcomed to ride with the adult women by invitation.
Beyond the regularly scheduled weekly rides, the Sunflowers organize special events, night rides, and out-of-town road trips to riding areas like Turkey Point, as well as participating in various community or charity rides.
Ride Like a Girl is perhaps the club’s most fun event, and was the one that got Postma hooked. This year’s Ride Like a Girl is scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, at 6:00 pm. Anyone is welcome to come out and try the sport of mountain biking. There’s a skills group, and all levels do a short ride followed by snacks, prizes, and some vendors will be there. Postma says attendance is usually around 50 women, and it’s a fun way to introduce people to the sport of mountain biking.
Niagara’s Big Move, the Dunnville Grand Tour, and Ride For Wounded Warriors Canada are all charity rides that some members attend.
The website https://www.sunflowerscyclingclub.com/ has contact information if you want to learn more about specific areas of the club, and downloadable waivers non-members can sign to Try-a-Ride and meet some of the members.
The Sunflowers themselves say, “We pride ourselves in our supportive, encouraging atmosphere. We love to challenge each other to grow as riders and reach our individual goals, but mainly we just love to ride!”
